Child and Vulnerable Adult Safeguarding Policy

Last updated: 07/07/2025

1. Policy Statement

Salisbury DJ Academy is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals, especially children and vulnerable adults. 

       We believe that everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation, or identity, has the right to protection from abuse and exploitation.


We recognise our duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of all learners and visitors, and to ensure that our staff and volunteers are well-trained and supported in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns.

2. Legal Framework

This policy is based on the following UK legislation and guidance:

3. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to:

  • All staff, tutors, contractors, and volunteers of Salisbury DJ Academy

  • All children (under 18) and vulnerable adults participating in academy programmes

  • All settings in which the academy operates, including online environments

4. Definitions

  • Child: Anyone under the age of 18

  • Vulnerable adult: A person aged 18 or over who may need care or support due to age, illness, disability, or who is unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation

  • Abuse: A form of maltreatment. Someone may abuse or neglect a child or vulnerable adult by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm

5. Roles and Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)  - Darren Kidd

  • Oversees implementation of the safeguarding policy

  • Acts as point of contact for safeguarding concerns

  • Maintains safeguarding records securely

  • Ensures appropriate referrals to local safeguarding partners

Deputy DSL - Stephen Eyres

  • Assists the DSL and acts in their absence

All Staff and Volunteers

  • Must complete safeguarding training annually

  • Must report any safeguarding concern immediately to the DSL

  • Must maintain professional boundaries and follow the academy's code of conduct

6. Types of Abuse

Includes but is not limited to:

  • Physical abuse

  • Emotional abuse

  • Sexual abuse and exploitation

  • Neglect

  • Bullying (including cyberbullying)

  • Radicalisation and extremism

  • Domestic abuse

  • Financial abuse (especially for vulnerable adults)

7. Safeguarding Procedures

Reporting Concerns

Responding to a Disclosure

  • Stay calm and listen carefully

  • Do not promise confidentiality—explain that you may need to share the concern

  • Reassure the individual they were right to speak up

  • Record the concern accurately and promptly

8. Safer Recruitment

We are committed to safe recruitment practices:

  • All staff and volunteers who work with children or vulnerable adults will undergo an enhanced DBS check

  • References will be sought and verified

  • All new hires will receive safeguarding induction training

9. Online Safety

  • Online lessons must be conducted via secure platforms

  • Tutors should never communicate with students on personal social media accounts, including Whatsapp, Messenger

  • All online interactions should follow academy guidelines and be supervised where appropriate

10. Working Alone with Children

Salisbury DJ Academy recognises that there may be situations where staff or volunteers will need to work alone with children or vulnerable adults, for example during 1:1 lessons or mentoring sessions. To safeguard both the learner and the staff member, the following measures must be followed:

  • Avoid lone working whenever possible. Where practical, lessons or meetings should take place in rooms with open doors, clear visibility (e.g., windows), or in areas where other adults are present nearby.

  • Parental or carer consent. Written consent from a parent or carer must be obtained before any 1:1 session with a child or vulnerable adult.

  • Risk assessment. A risk assessment must be carried out for all situations involving lone working with children or vulnerable adults.

  • Record keeping. A written record of the session (including time, date, duration, and summary of activity) must be kept and shared with the DSL.

  • Communication. Staff should inform another member of staff or the DSL when and where they are meeting a learner alone and confirm when the session has ended.

  • Physical contact. Physical contact should be avoided unless it is necessary for safety reasons or part of an agreed teaching method, and must always be appropriate and explained clearly.

  • Emergency procedures. Staff must be aware of emergency contact details and know how to raise an alarm if they feel unsafe or if a safeguarding concern arises.

Failure to follow these guidelines may result in disciplinary action and will be considered a breach of the academy’s safeguarding policy

11. Record Keeping

  • All safeguarding concerns and actions taken must be documented accurately

  • Records will be stored securely in accordance with data protection legislation

12. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

  • Information will only be shared with relevant parties on a need-to-know basis

  • We will work in partnership with parents and external agencies where appropriate

13. Training

  • The DSL and deputy DSL will receive advanced safeguarding training every two years

  • All staff must complete safeguarding awareness training annually

14. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if there are changes in legislation, guidance, or academy practices.

Next Review Date: 7th July 2026 

Approved By:  The management committee

Signed: DIGITALLY SIGNED

Print Name: Darren Kidd

Position: Chair

Signed: DIGITALLY SIGNED

Print Name: Stephen Eyres

Position: Secretary

Signed: DIGITALLY SIGNED

Print Name: Glyn Jones

Position Treasurer

Salisbury DJ Academy 7th July 2025